Desuetude - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Desuetude refers to the state of something no longer being used or practiced, often due to neglect or obsolescence. It commonly describes outdated laws, customs, or traditions that have fallen into disuse.
Definition:
The state of disuse or inactivity; falling into obscurity.
Synonyms:
disuse, neglect, abandonment, obsolescence
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
use, activity, practice
Common Collocations:
fall into desuetude, laws in desuetude, customs in desuetude
Derivatives:
desuetudinary (rare), desuetudinous (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "desuetude" to describe laws, customs, or practices no longer in active use but not formally abolished.
Common Phrases:
fall into desuetude, lapse into desuetude, laws in desuetude
Etymology:
From Latin "desuetudo," meaning "disuse," from "desuescere" (to disaccustom).
Examples:
- 1. The old law fell into desuetude after decades of neglect.
- 2. Many traditions have slipped into desuetude over time.
- 3. The manual typewriter is now in desuetude due to modern technology.
- 4. Legal scholars debated whether the statute was still valid or in desuetude.